License Image The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar. The sacrum is formed by 5 fused vertebrae and the coccyx by 4 fused vertebrae. The first cervical vertebrae is called the Atlas and the second the Axis. In between each vertebrae is a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc.
spine
Spine Posterior View
License Image The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar. The sacrum is formed by 5 fused vertebrae and the coccyx by 4 fused vertebrae. The first cervical vertebrae is called the Atlas and the second the Axis. In between each vertebrae is a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc.
Spine Anatomy Curves
License Image The vertebral column has curves associated with the different regions: the cervical curve, the thoracic curve, the lumbar curve and the sacral curve.
Vertebrae
License Image A typical vertebra consists of a body, an arch and a central foramen (or collectively a canal) in which the spinal cord is contained. The arch consists of two pedicles which attach to the vertebral body and two lamina which form a roof. Located on the arch are two transverse processes, a spine, […]
Kyphosis
License Image The figure on the left shows the normal curve of the spine in the neck with good posture. In the figure on the right with poor posture, the cervical spine has become flattened, and the thoracic curve (green) has become exaggerated. (called “kyphosis” or hunchback)